The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1887-12-06
is SOUTHERN AGRICULTURE
In Prosperous Condition? If Not, the
Cause and Remedy.
BY L. w. ".


From the Fort Gaines Star.
Perhaps there has been no subject more uni
versally discussed than this. The great Steph-
ems, many years ago. declared in the halls of
congress that the southern farmer was poorer
than at the close of the war. And since then
it has been discussed in every agricultural
meeting. If | had the time and talents to
bring out all the facts pertaining to this sub
ject, the cause and remedy, it would be a moro
extensive work than DR.. Clark's commentary,
and then fail to solve the problem. The sub
ject was deliberately and intelligently dis
cussed at the agricultural convention.
Then there was convention called,
consisting of delegates from all of the southern
states, assembled i'll Atlanta last August, to
discuss this subject, and perhaps there never
has been a convention that comprised more
talent or experience. Governor Gordon gave
the farmers some excellent advice. SO did
Grady, and said the southern farmer should be
proud of what he had accomplished in twenty
years commencing at nothing, last year his
crops were worth S715,000000. Grady said he
knew less about farminipg than anyone except
Governor Gordon. But this question will
never be solved by such talent, nor by fine
rhetorical efforts but each farmer must solve
it for himself
Now, we will review some of their work
The first resolution reads: The cause and
remedy. Whereas, it appears, and is really
fact, that great depression exists through the
cotton states and, whereas, we believe it to
the cause and find a remedy; therefore be it
resolved: First We believe the cause to be
twofold. First, undue taxation, and second,
raising too much cotton.
Plant less cotton is the remedy that has
been preached for years. l do not believe in
the theory. The southern states can make
better cotton than any other country, and
make it cheaper, even if India does get labor
for ten cents per day. My motto is to plant
no less cotton, but to make every acre double
WELD of of iO1nrO n1
implements, make two bales at the cost of one
now, then we will run all other countries out
of the cultivation. Let India make our bag
ging and Brazil our coffee. If we did not
make more than two or three million bales,
some shrewd Englishman would be over here
getting up southern men to go TO India to
make cotton for them, as they did in time of
the war.
will agree there is depression in the cotton
states, but too much cotton is not the cause
Double the amount of cotton at the cost of
producing the present crop and the cause
would be removed. Improved machinery in
the north and west was the cause of Lees sur
render at Appomattox. Had the northern agri-
culturalists had to prepare, plant and harvest
as he did before the war, half of Grants army
would have had to remain at home But with
the sulky pillow and improved harrows to pre-
pare the land, distributors to plant the seed,
reapers and mowers to gather the grain and
hay, then their improved thresh and separa-
tors to save the grain, whereby one man can
do the work of eight or ten and do it better.
You may say that if we were to double the
present crop, there would be no sale for it.
Now the Yankee with his ingenuity and ecor-
omy would convert If into something profit
able. Make cotton, but make it cheap. Work
early and late. Bill Arp says, ga farmer to
succeed must scratch his head at the plow
handle before SUNRISE just SO.
The western farmer, n few years ago, got
81 80 for his wheat now he gets about seventy
cents, but he does not stop making it, but en-
deavors to make il cheaper Nes, make cot
ton: it is the most substantial staple crop
known. If You make q surplus you can lay il
away, and il will be in good preservation when
your grandchildren arise TO manhood.
Now, | viii read the second resolution:
Resolved, that each member 81 this con-
vention on his return home, use his best efforts
20 get farmers to organize, and let cur watch
word be. orr farms shall bo sef-Sust0iniug.
Our cotton crop shall be our surplus" Now,
this resolution covers nearly the whole ground
as remedy for the depression. Yes organize
yes, organize! How2 In agricultural socie-
ties Leto learn from another by discussing
subjects pertaining to the farmer l have re-
ceivet many good IDEAS from those less eX-
perierccd than myself.
This society was organized when I came 20
the state ten years ago. soon after l became
"a. NU1..G 90. 4i4ce ~ ,.&&. besoIs oS.S eli!
most pun ;u0l attendants, scarcely ever miss
inE 4 meeting. The discussion OF various sub
iec.s have been OF great interest 20 me. Sew
Vyai years aSo, Judge Sanders made speech